An e-mail I sent into the ether on Wednesday after tracking the addressee down on the internet. And yes, I got a lovely response --------------- Dear Doreen: I doubt that you have any memory of me at all, but you made an indelible impression on me and I have many times repeated the story of our brief meeting in a San Jose (Costa Rica) park where you were exhibiting watercolors, mostly doorways and windows. Indeed, each time I repeat the story tears come to my eyes. It was probably about 15 years ago, and I was wandering in the park while my wife was shopping when I came across you and your paintings. They were lovely, and I was also curious about your name because I had a sister-in-law from England with the name Doreen, and I assumed that it was not common in Latin America. You told me that you were named after an English aunt or something like that. We began chatting and you asked where I was from and I responded from Philadelphia. You asked me what kind of work I do and I explained, I am a Public Defender: I represent poor people charged with crimes, who cannot afford a lawyer. This is in quotes because this statement and your response are indelibly etched into my memory. You see, in the U.S. the standard responses to a Public Defender are quite often hostile. How can you represent those people? And How can you represent people who you know are guilty? It is your response that brought, and continues to bring, tears. You smiled and said to me, Surely there is a place in Heaven for you. Thats all. I just wanted to thank you after all these years, and let you know what an impact your kind words had on me. I hope you are well, and happy. as for me, I retired about 9 years ago - I am now a very active 75 year old - am well and am quite happy. Love, John John Packel john@packel
Posted on: Sat, 01 Mar 2014 00:41:26 +0000
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